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Mental Health Program Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$26.07 - $35.72/hr

Provides direct and indirect patient care services under direction and supervision of identified program Mental Health Professionals and Program Manager/Supervisor. Utilizes patient/family needs to ...

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Mental Health Program Manager information

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$42.5K

$93.6K

$157K

How much do mental health program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for mental health program manager in the United States is $93,589.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,000.00 and $110,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Mental Health Program Manager vs Mental Health Counselor?

AspectMental Health Program ManagerMental Health Counselor
CredentialsMaster's degree in psychology, social work, or related field; often requires program management experienceMaster's degree in counseling, psychology, or social work; licensure required
Work EnvironmentAdministrative settings, clinics, community programsPrivate practice, clinics, hospitals, community agencies
Employer & IndustryHealthcare organizations, government agencies, nonprofitsHospitals, mental health clinics, private practices
Primary FocusOverseeing mental health programs, managing staff, ensuring complianceProviding direct therapy and counseling services to clients

The main difference is that Mental Health Program Managers focus on overseeing and managing mental health programs, while Mental Health Counselors provide direct client therapy. Both roles require relevant advanced degrees and licensure, but their daily responsibilities and work environments differ significantly.

What Does a Mental Health Program Manager Do?

A mental health program manager works in a mental health clinic, hospital, or another healthcare facility. As a mental health program manager, you oversee all aspects of the program. Your responsibilities include managing responses to patient behavior and providing support to mental health workers. Other duties involve ensuring program progress through consistent care as developed by you and other senior mental health staff. You work collaboratively with staff and use your superior communication skills to ensure the safety of staff and the patients. Privacy is a chief concern, and you work to develop policies to safeguard patient and family confidentiality.

What are some common challenges faced by Mental Health Program Managers, and how can they be effectively addressed?

Mental Health Program Managers often encounter challenges such as balancing administrative responsibilities with direct program oversight, addressing limited resources, and ensuring staff wellbeing while meeting client needs. Effective strategies include fostering open communication within the team, prioritizing workload management, and seeking out partnerships or grants to supplement funding. Regular training and support for staff can also help maintain high-quality care and reduce burnout, making the work environment more sustainable and collaborative.

What does a Mental Health Program Manager do?

A Mental Health Program Manager oversees the planning, implementation, and evaluation of mental health services and programs within an organization or community. They are responsible for managing staff, budgets, and resources, as well as ensuring that programs meet the needs of clients and comply with relevant regulations. This role often involves coordinating with other healthcare providers, monitoring program outcomes, and making improvements based on data and feedback. Mental Health Program Managers play a crucial part in expanding access to quality mental health care and promoting positive outcomes for individuals and communities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Mental Health Program Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mental Health Program Manager, you typically need a background in psychology, social work, or a related field, along with program management experience and relevant licensure or certification. Familiarity with case management software, electronic health records (EHRs), and data reporting tools is important for effective program oversight. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills enable you to manage teams and collaborate with stakeholders. These skills ensure the delivery of high-quality mental health services, efficient program operations, and positive outcomes for clients.
What cities are hiring for Mental Health Program Manager jobs? Cities with the most Mental Health Program Manager job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Mental Health Program jobs? The most popular types of Mental Health Program jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Mental Health Program Manager jobs? The top employers for Mental Health Program Manager jobs are:
What states have the most Mental Health Program Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Mental Health Program Manager jobs include:
Infographic showing various Mental Health Program Manager job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,589 per year, or $45 per hour.

Mental Health Program Manager

Boys & Girls Club of North Central Illinois

South Elgin, IL โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Description:

Role Overview: Why This Role Exists


The Mental Health Program Manager will fulfill the responsibilities and deliverables outlined in the Elgin Township School-Based Mental Health Grant. The Manager will work closely with the Director of Emotional Well-Being, Social Work Interns, Site-based Operations team members, U-46 school district partners, Family Services Association, and the Elgin Township Mental Health Board.


Key Responsibilities

People Leadership & Culture

  • Onboard, train, and supervise a team of Social Work Interns at Elgin Township grant funded locations by providing clear and simple instructions to ensure that they understand the rules, expectations, and directions of their role
  • Provide constructive feedback, encouragement, and recognition for team of Social Work Interns at Elgin Township grant-funded locations during weekly check-in meetings
  • Step in as a substitute for on-site programming in the event of absences of Social Work Interns

Consultation & Support

  • Maintain data-driven goals through pre- and post-assessments of youth and feedback from Operations team on Social Work Interns, especially in belonging, peer relationships, engagement, attendance, staff well-being, and more
  • Participate in bi-weekly behavioral consultation meetings with Operations team to debrief behavior response and build in support for future preparedness
  • Fulfill duties on Coordinated Care Team at each location to foster collaboration, growth, and wraparound care for clients in partnership with U-46 team members
  • Upholds expectations of Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports (PBIS), Restorative Practices, and Social Emotional Learning frameworks

Organizational & External Partnership

  • Align programming and expectations with Elgin Township Mental Health Board, Family Service Association, U-46, and BGCNCIL
  • Implement Teen Mentor Model to recruit, train, deploy, and supervise teen mentors at elementary locations
  • Work with Director of Emotional Well-Being and Family Support Services Assistant to identify needs of youth and refer families to services as needed
  • Support with organizational training needs
  • Maintain positive and professional communication & relationships with youth, staff, parents, and community partners
  • Assist with special projects and assignments directed by the Director of Emotional Well-Being
  • Incorporate Trauma-Informed practices in all interactions
  • Operate under the standards and supervision of the Programming team in alignment with the Strategic Practices
  • Offer professional development opportunities for Social Work Interns
Requirements:

Who Thrives in This Role

  • Exceptional skills in the areas of organization, attention to detail, time management, leadership, and ability to manage multiple tasks, define and set priorities and problem-solve.
  • Exhibit professionalism and integrity through superior written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to take the initiative with projects to work independently and in a team.
  • A personal mission, vision, and values that align with Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Illinois
  • Ability to train, supervise and motivate staff.

Qualifications

  • High School diploma or higher.
  • Experience working with kids or teens is preferred.
  • Prior management experience is preferred.
  • Prior grant experience is a plus.
  • Program and curriculum planning experience is preferred.
  • Must have a valid driver's license.
  • Bilingual preferred
  • Become certified to drive a 12-passenger van